EXECUTIVE ORDER
BJ 10-05

WHEREAS extraordinary budgetary shortfalls may require continuing cost reduction measures for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and additional shortfalls are expected during the 2010-2011 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS it is critical to prioritize critical services to our citizens over pay increases for unclassified employees; and

WHEREAS difficult and challenging times call for fiscal prudence and shared sacrifice among all of us who serve our fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS the Governor pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of Louisiana, specifically, R.S. 39:75(B)(3), may issue executive orders prohibiting the expenditure of monies for specific items.

NOW THEREFORE, I, BOBBY JINDAL, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Louisiana do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: The authority to award merit increases for all unclassified employees is frozen beginning immediately and continuing through June 30, 2011. During this period of suspension, no appointing authority may grant a merit increase to any unclassified employee nor may any unclassified employee gain eligibility for a merit increase.

SECTION 2 : All other elected state officials or entities with constitutional authority are urged to join in this effort to preserve state services to our citizens by exercising their authority to suspend the awarding of salary increases to unclassified state employees starting immediately and continuing through the duration of the 2010/11 fiscal year.

SECTION 3: This freeze shall not affect promotions and performance Planning and Review requirements. Appointing authorities must continue to comply with all Civil Service Rules regarding performance planning and review of employees.

SECTION 4: This Order is effective upon signature and shall continue in effect until amended, modified, terminated, or rescinded by the Governor, or terminated by operation of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the city of Baton Rouge, on this 19th day of March, 2010.